Bird first thought they’d lose Magic soon.
Magic Johnson received bad news following a physical prior to the 1991–92 NBA season. He tested positive for HIV, the deadly infection that causes AIDS. Because of the fatal disease’s notoriety, Johnson’s NBA peers, especially Larry Bird, were concerned for his safety.
At the time, Magic was one of the league’s healthiest players, having played 98 games the previous season. However, following what the doctors indicated, Bird believed Johnson’s healthy physique would decline sooner rather than later.
“We thought there would only be ten years left,” Bird told ESPN in 2012. “That’s what the doctors were telling us.”
Larry lost his motivation to compete.
As most of us watched, Bird and Magic competed throughout their careers. However, learning that his most formidable opponent may be gone for a long time, not only on the court but also in this world, naturally broke “Larry Legend.” Bird claimed it was so tough to bear that he lost his motivation to compete
“Magic’s agent (Lon Rosen) calls and informs me of the news ahead of time. I said, ‘I need to talk to him right now.’ Lon says, ‘I don’t know. He’s going through all of this right now. I answered, ‘I don’t care. I have to talk to him right now.’ And he connected me to him. Wow, that really hit me. It hit me hard. That was the first time I had ever played in a game I didn’t want to play (vs. Atlanta). “I had nothing that night,” Bird recounted.
However, Johnson’s HIV did have some good effects on him. It strengthened his bond with Bird and, more importantly, taught him the value of life.
.”The first call I received that day was from Larry. Wow, that moved me. You treasure terrific pals who will always be there to assist you. Twenty years later, we’re still here. I’ve got a lot to live for. I have a wife, grandchildren, children, and wonderful friends. The medication is functioning. “God blessed me,” Johnson reflected.
A Legendary Life Following HIV
Magic somehow survived HIV and had what could only be described as a legendary existence. He briefly coached the Los Angeles Lakers before making a historic NBA comeback in 1996
.After officially calling it quits, Johnson launched many business enterprises and built an empire. He also worked as an executive with the Lakers for nearly a decade and is currently enjoying the happiest years of his life with his family.
